We’re back after a much-needed vacation, and it appears the Preds had themselves quite the week. David Poile was honored as the all-time winningest GM in NHL history, the team set a franchise record for consecutive wins with 10, Pekka Rinne continued making his case for the Vezina Trophy, and Gary Bettman mentioned that Nashville may be considered for a future outdoor game. Yep, the news is all good in Smashville right now as we wind down the regular season and get ramped up for the playoffs. Can you believe there’s only four weeks left in the regular season?
Before we jump into the playoffs though, the Predators still have to finish business in the regular season. This week, the team went 3-0-1 to pick up seven out of eight possible points. This week was huge, as they now hold a seven point lead in the Central Division over the Jets with 98 points. Winnipeg, of course, sits at 91 points and Minnesota has crept up into third place with 85 points. I’ve been saying it for a while now, but it’s clear the Preds and Jets will battle out the last few weeks for the division crown. In addition to the Central Division, the Preds also lead the Western Conference over the Golden Knights by five points. Home ice will be huge come playoff time.
The Predators started off the week with a Sunday afternoon game in Colorado. This game was filled with drama, with the two teams trading goals back and forth the entire game. Things looked bleak, until Ryan Ellis came up big in the clutch to tie the game with just over a minute left to send the game to OT. Forsberg completed the comeback with a beautiful goal in OT to win it. Watson and Turris also scored for the Preds.
The Preds then returned home to Bridgestone Arena for a playoff type game against the Dallas Stars. Both goaltenders were outstanding in this game. Huge save after huge save would have this game scoreless going into the third period. Ryan Hartman would change that as he lifted a backhander past Lehtonen to give the Preds and Pekka Rinne all the goals he would need. Nick Bonino would ice the game with an empty netter for a 2-0 victory. Pekka Rinne would get the shutout for his 50th career shutout. That makes him only the 18th goalie in NHL history with 300 career wins and 50 shutouts.
Let’s get it trending guys. #Pekka4Vezina
Whenever the Anaheim Ducks come to town, it always feels like a playoff game. It’s obvious the Preds and Ducks hate each other, as evidenced by last year’s playoff series. This game was no different. Big hits, tight defense, and playoff intensity defined the game. The Preds were up to the challenge though as they quickly jumped out to a 2-0 lead after goals by Smith and Johansen. Austin Watson would get himself another shorty for a 3-0 lead before the Ducks came storming back to get within a goal. Viktor Arvidsson would put the game out of reach for a 4-2 win and the Preds tenth consecutive win.
The New Jersey Devils are always a team that seem to give the Predators fits in Nashville. I don’t know why, but they just seem to have the Preds number on the road. Mattias Ekholm would blow past the defense to get his tenth goal of the season early on but the Devils answered right back. They would take the lead on an iffy goal, that seemed like it was tipped with a high stick, but the officials allowed it. Ryan Johansen came up big again to tie the game with just over a minute left. After a furious overtime period, this game would go to a shootout where the Devils gained the victory. Winning streak snapped, but the Preds have still gained points in 11 straight games. Still very impressive.
PREDS THREE STARS OF THE WEEK
First Star – Austin Watson – I’ve unofficially nicknamed Watson the Natural Born Penalty Killer, but I think I’m going to change it to the Natural Born Goal Scorer. Two goals this week including a short handed goal and an assist to go along with excellent defensive work. He’s been on fire lately and having his best overall season of his career.
Second Star – Ryan Johansen – Two goals and two assists for the team’s #1 center this week. A lot of people have been wanting more from Joey and he has really turned it on the last week or two. The Preds will need that going forward into the playoff.
Third Star – Ryan Ellis – One goal and four assists this week including the tying goal against the Avalanche and the assist on Johansen’s goal to tie the game late against the Devils. Ellis had himself a huge week.
Three games this week on tap for the Predators. The first one is a huge division game against the Jets on Tuesday night. The last game in Winnipeg was an instant classic, and I’m sure this game will be no different. Both teams understand how big this game is and will leave everything out on the ice. The Preds then head out west for back to back games against the Coyotes and Avalanche on Thursday and Friday night. The Preds need to keep gaining points in order to keep control on the Western Conference. Their main focus now needs to be staying healthy and making sure they are ready to roll for the playoffs.
Have you heard about the newest SoBros Network podcast, Talking Preds? You can follow us on Twitter @TalkingPreds and iTunes. Give us a listen and tell us what you think. New episodes come out about once a week, sometimes more, sometimes less. Oh yeah, we’re also giving away TWO PLAYOFF TICKETS in an upcoming episode, so make sure to listen every chance you can so you don’t miss out on how to enter!
Herbie Brooks is the Lead Hockey Analyst for SoBros Network. He knows three things: beating Commies, winning Gold Medals, and having great hair. Follow him on Twitter: @SoBroHerbie_B
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